The St. Louis Cardinals placed third baseman David Freese on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

Infielder Ryan Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday to replace Freese, who hopes to return in time for the home opener April 8 against Cincinnati. Left-hander Sam Freeman was optioned to Triple-A.

In 12 spring training games, Freese was batting .267 with two home runs and five RBIs. The move was retroactive to Saturday

Jackson was optioned to the minors on March 17 after appearing in 17 spring training games. Freeman made two exhibition appearances.